McCook School Board Reviews Back-to-School Plans, Accepts $1,015 Donation for NORE Group

McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook Public Schools Board of Education held its regular August meeting Monday evening, covering preparations for the start of the school year, reviewing long-term improvement goals, and taking action on several resolutions.

Public Comment

During the public comment portion, a resident raised concerns about a teacher’s conduct and questioned whether the district has appropriate policies in place regarding student–teacher relationships. The resident referenced Nebraska statute 79-879 and urged the board to take stronger action when such issues are reported.

Back-to-School and Improvement Plans

Superintendent Grant Norgaard outlined the district’s back-to-school schedule:

• Aug. 5 – New staff orientation

• Aug. 12 – All faculty return for meetings and training

• Aug. 14 – First day for grades 1–6 and 9 (2 p.m. dismissal)

• Aug. 15 – First day for grades 7–8 and 10–12 (2 p.m. dismissal)

Norgaard also presented Year 1 school improvement goals, which include reviewing and potentially revising the district’s mission and vision statements, selecting a formal tool for stakeholder feedback, analyzing multiple years of assessment data, and setting a districtwide goal with a measurable action plan.

McCook Public Schools was recently named the McCook Chamber of Commerce Honor Business for the 2nd Quarter. The recognition was presented at McCook Junior High, followed by a tour of the current building.

Business Manager’s Report

Business Manager Jeff Gross reported that 14,470 meals were served in July. For the 2024–25 school year, the district served 91,500 lunches, 36,800 breakfasts, and an additional 31,220 summer meals.

Financially, General Fund revenue stands at 106% of budget year-to-date, with expenses at 92%. Gross noted that changes in state property tax credits have altered the timing of revenue received, which will make the 2024–25 fiscal year appear higher and 2025–26 lower.

Facilities work at the Senior High gym hallway and commons area is nearly complete. The district is also undergoing a federal desk review of grants and expects property valuations on Aug. 20. The annual audit is scheduled for Sept. 9–11.

Gross said the district’s surplus auction brought in about $18,000, helping clear out storage space.

Board Actions

• Donation Accepted: The board accepted a $1,015 donation from The Coppermill, given by owner Adam Siegfried to the NORE group after a break-in at the concession stand they manage.

• Option Enrollment Resolution: Approved for 2025–26 and 2026–27, setting building capacity numbers for accepting option enrollment students.

• Authorization to Sign Documents: Approved a resolution authorizing the superintendent or designee to sign all necessary state and federal documents.

Positive Comments

Board members and administrators closed the meeting with thanks to staff, volunteers, and community members for their work on the bond election, facility upgrades, and preparing for the school year. Special recognition was given to departing staff member Heather Collicott and community member Mary Dueland for her bond-related outreach efforts.

The meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m.

During public comment, concerns were raised about a pending court matter involving a McCook Junior High teacher. According to court records, a protective order has been issued while a hearing is scheduled later this month regarding allegations that an adult harassed a minor. The petition includes screenshots of social media messages the petitioner alleges were exchanged between the minor and the teacher. The authenticity of these messages has not been determined, and the court has not ruled on their admissibility or relevance. No criminal charges have been filed, and all individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.